Newport News Dog Bite Attorney

Legal Help After A Serious Dog Bite Injury

A dog bite can change your life in a moment. One minute you are at a friend’s house or walking through your neighborhood, and the next you are facing painful wounds, the risk of infection, possible scarring, and questions about how to pay for urgent medical care.

If you or your child was bitten by a dog in Newport News, you do not have to handle the legal and insurance issues on your own. At Kalfus & Nachman PC, we have represented injured people across Virginia since 1979, including many clients who were hurt by animals that should have been better controlled.

Our attorneys work to take pressure off you so you can focus on healing. We offer free consultations, and our team at our Newport News office can explain your options, evaluate what happened, and discuss how a dog bite claim may help with medical bills, lost income, and the long-term impact of your injuries.

To schedule a free consultation, contact us today at (855) 880-8163.

Virginia Dog Bite Law

Unlike some states that follow strict liability rules, Virginia's dog bite law is more nuanced. Virginia generally follows a “one-bite rule,” meaning a dog owner may not automatically be liable for a first bite unless they knew or should have known that the dog had dangerous or aggressive tendencies.

However, a dog owner may still be held responsible under several legal theories, including:

• Prior knowledge of aggression: If the dog previously bit someone or showed aggressive behavior, the owner may be liable.
• Negligence: Owners who fail to properly restrain or control their dog may be held accountable.
• Violation of leash laws: Newport News has leash ordinances, and violating them can strengthen a dog bite claim.
• Trespass exceptions: Children and lawful visitors may have stronger protections under the law.

Because these cases depend heavily on facts and evidence, speaking with an experienced Newport News dog bite attorney as soon as possible is critical to protecting your claim.

Common Causes of Dog Bite Incidents

Dog bites often occur due to preventable circumstances. Some of the most common causes include:

• Dogs left unleashed in public areas
• Poorly secured fences or gates
• Owners failing to warn others of aggressive dogs
• Lack of supervision around children
• Dogs reacting to fear, pain, or provocation

Regardless of the circumstances, victims should never assume they are automatically at fault. An attorney can evaluate whether the dog owner acted negligently.

Common Types of Injuries from Dog Bites

Dog bite injuries can range from minor to life-altering, and many require extensive medical treatment. Common injuries include:

• Deep puncture wounds and lacerations
• Infections, including rabies or tetanus
• Nerve damage
• Broken bones
• Facial injuries and permanent scarring
• Psychological trauma, such as PTSD or anxiety around animals

Children are particularly vulnerable to severe injuries, especially to the face, neck, and hands. Even seemingly minor bites should receive prompt medical attention to prevent infection and complications.

Compensation Available to Dog Bite Victims

A skilled Newport News dog bite attorney can help pursue compensation for the full scope of your losses. Depending on the circumstances of your case, compensation may include:

• Medical expenses: Emergency care, surgeries, hospital stays, medications, and future treatment
• Lost wages: Time missed from work due to injury or recovery
• Loss of earning capacity: If injuries affect your ability to work long-term
• Pain and suffering: Physical pain and emotional distress
• Scarring and disfigurement: Especially relevant in facial injury cases
• Emotional trauma: Anxiety, depression, or fear resulting from the attack

In cases involving extreme negligence, additional damages may be available. Kalfus & Nachman PC carefully evaluates each claim to pursue every available category of compensation.

What to Do After a Dog Bite in Newport News

Taking the right steps after a dog bite can protect both your health and your legal claim:

1. Seek immediate medical treatment
2. Report the incident to Newport News Animal Control
3. Obtain the dog owner’s contact and insurance information
4. Document your injuries with photos and medical records
5. Avoid speaking with insurance companies without legal guidance
6. Contact a Newport News dog bite lawyer promptly

Early legal involvement helps preserve evidence and strengthens your case.

Dog Bite Claim FAQs

How long do I have to file a dog bite claim in Virginia?

Virginia generally imposes a two-year statute of limitations for personal injury claims, including dog bites. Missing this deadline can bar you from recovery.

What if the dog never bitten anyone before?

You may still have a claim if the owner acted negligently or violated local leash laws. Each case depends on specific facts.

Can I file a claim if the victim is a child?

Yes. Parents or guardians can file claims on behalf of injured children, who often suffer the most severe injuries.

Will the dog be put down if I file a claim?

Filing a personal injury claim does not automatically result in euthanasia. Animal control authorities handle such determinations separately.

Do dog bite cases usually go to trial?

Many claims settle out of court, but Kalfus & Nachman PC is fully prepared to litigate if necessary to achieve fair compensation.

Why Choose Our Dog Bite Lawyers in Newport News

When you look for a dog bite lawyer Newport News residents can rely on, you want a firm with real depth and stability. Kalfus & Nachman PC has been helping injured people in Virginia since 1979. In that time, we have successfully handled thousands of cases and recovered millions of dollars for clients hurt by the carelessness of others.

That history matters when you are dealing with an insurance company or property owner. Our attorneys understand how claims adjusters think, what evidence can make a difference, and how to prepare a case so it is ready for settlement talks or a courtroom, if litigation becomes necessary. Our goal is always to build a strategy around your specific injuries, your medical needs, and the way the bite has affected your daily life.

Recognition from peers and the community supports what our clients already know about our work. Members of our team have been included in organizations such as The National Trial Lawyers Top 100 Trial Lawyers and Top 25 Motor Vehicle Trial Lawyers, and our firm has received honors like Best Of Norfolk and the Best of Coastal Virginia Reader's Choice Award. These acknowledgments reflect our commitment to strong advocacy for injured people, including victims of dog attacks.

We also bring significant resources to every case. Our firm can coordinate with third-party professionals, such as doctors or other experts, to help evaluate your injuries and how the incident occurred. Because we handle all phases of a personal injury case, including filing lawsuits when needed, you do not have to worry about being passed off to another firm if your dog bite claim becomes more complex.

Call (855) 880-8163 to speak with our team about your dog bite case.